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Reflection from your Co-Pastors
Tuesday Dec 8, 2020
Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception: Mary conceived so filled with grace that no space ever existed for a turning away from God. So many theological questions here, that below is an honoring of the Sacredness of surrender and self-reflection. In gratitude and hope, here are two offerings, distinctly different: a reflection on the Magnificat by Kathleen Norris and a reflection from the Congregation of St. Joseph. Do either resonate with you today?
Magnificat...
“At first I had no idea where the lovely Magnificat we sang every night was from: "My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior" (Luke 1:46). When I eventually found it in the first chapter of Luke's Gospel, I was startled but glad to see that it was one pregnant woman's response to a blessing from another. It is the song Mary sings after she has walked to her cousin Elizabeth’s village, and on greeting Mary, Elizabeth, who is bearing John the Baptist, recognizes that Mary bears the Messiah. . . .
‘The Magnificat's message is so subversive that for a period during the 1980s the government of Guatemala banned its public recitation (a sanction that I'm sure the monasteries in that country violated daily). But when I came to its words knowing so little about them, I found that all too often they were words I could sing with ease at evening prayer, with a facile (and sometimes sleepy) acceptance. On other nights, however, they were a mother's words, probing uncomfortably into my life. How rich had I been that day, how full of myself? Too full to recognize need and hunger, my own or anyone else's? So powerfully providing for myself that I couldn't admit my need for the help of others? Too busy to know a blessing when it came to me?’ “
From "Virgin Mary, Mother of God" in Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith by Kathleen Norris (Riverhead Books, 1998).
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AND...
“Today we honor Mary. We sing, “Gentle woman, you were chosen by the Father, chosen for the Son…” We, too, were chosen. Chosen before the world was begun. We look at our broken, wounded world and might feel helpless. But we are not! We were chosen, singled out, made special. We have much in common with our sister, Mary. She had a unique role to play. We, too, are given our particular part to play to make our world a place of beauty. Imagine! Before the world was created, before time came to be, we were in the mind of God. We were chosen. We were created in the image of God and exist for the glory of God. Watch out for that angel who is coming. Be ready and remember you were chosen. Be not afraid when the angel comes. Like Mary, with trust say, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. I delight in being chosen. Let it be.”
Prayer
With St. Ignatius of Loyola we pray:
Take, Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours. Do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me. With Mary, we pray, “Let it be done unto me according to your word.”
Personal Challenge
Welcome the angel who will visit you today. Then, like Mary, go in haste to wherever the angel says. Remember you are chosen to bring love to our world.
Scripture:
Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 98:1-4;
Eph 1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38
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At Mary of Magdala we have our God and we have each other. Please reach out to your pastors or to your beloved brothers and sisters if you are experiencing any distress during these trying times.
Deacon Rosean 970-692-4238
Pastor Jane 973-610-6104
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Mary of Magdala's
Social Justice
Advent Projects
For details and instructions, click here
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This Advent our community is sponsoring two projects for you to choose from (as your means allow.)
- Blankets for homeless in Fort Collins - providing warm gear in stuff sacks. You can make a fleece blanket or purchase one.
(Please notify Tom at tjmoos@aol.com
and let him know if you are contributing -
NEW DATE: delivery/pick-up on Dec 19th)
- Beans and Rice project through WADSO for 23 million poor and starving Nigerians. Donations will be accepted to buy 55, 110, or 220 bags of rice and beans.
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For complete information on the Advent
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Advent booklet discussion groups this week
4 weeks - Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am
Dec. 8 - Tuesday's Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82709740353
Dec. 10 - Thursday Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/93086048248
Four Weekly Sessions - save the link.
It will be the same link throughout December
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Sunday Service Recordings
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For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during our hiatus from celebrating together, visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com
Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal
What are our partners in ministry here up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin
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